Paris Palmer, who transferred from Lackawanna Junior College, needs some time to grow into a Division I starting left tackle. He's listed at 6-7, 297 but still looks lean, particularly in the lower body. He moves well and has a wide reach but was beaten for several sacks (the two-hand touch kind). He needs time with the playbook and at the training table.

Overall, Penn State's starting line (Palmer, Brendan Mahon, Angelo Mangiro, Brian Gaia, Andrew Nelson) allowed five first-half sacks, one of which produced a slight limp from quarterback Christian Hackenberg. Plenty of time before the opener at Lincoln Financial Field against Temple, though.

2. CHRISTIAN HACKENBERG'S HEALTH MAKES PEOPLE GASP

In the first half, Hackenberg had his foot stepped on, causing him to walk gingerly for a few plays. He continued playing into the fourth quarter, however, largely because of circumstances.

Backup quarterback Trace McSorley did not play because of what was termed a minor injury, leading Franklin to extend Hackenberg's time. Franklin, Hackenberg and offensive coordinator John Donovan all said nothing serious happened to the franchise quarterback. In fact, Franklin said that, if something had, Hackenberg would have plenty of time to recover before preseason drills.

Still, even a little stumble from "the best quarterback in college football," according to defensive coordinator Bob Shoop, caused audible gasps among the estimated 68,000 in attendance.

3. A NUMBER OF CONTRIBUTORS DIDN'T PLAY

Photos from the 2015 spring Blue White football game held at Penn State on Saturday, April 18, 2015.

(Associated Press)

Beyond McSorley, several players (including a few potential starters) were out. Most notable were Nyeem Wartman, who is poised to take over Mike Hull's spot at middle linebacker, and receiver Chris Godwin, who caught 25 passes last year.

Even after losing starters Deion Barnes and C.J. Olaniyan, the Lions might be even better at the position. No doubt they're deeper, coordinator Bob Shoop said, with players such as Carl Nassib, Garrett Sickels, Evan Schwan, Torrence Brown and Curtis Cothran blossoming this spring.

5. PENN STATE HAS ITS OWN VERSION OF SEBASTIAN JANIKOWSKI

The competition to replace kicker Sam Ficken includes a 5-11, 244-pound redshirt freshman nicknamed 'Big Toe.' Joey Julius displayed a big leg Saturday, hitting a couple field goals from 55 yards in a pre-game competition. His 59-yard attempt had the length (albeit on a line drive) but missed left. He also got the ball to the end zone on kickoffs, something Ficken struggled to do.

Special teams coach Charles Huff said Julius has the body of a "competitive athlete" rather than a kicker. And yes, "he does remind us of Janikowski," Huff said.